INDEPENDENT Preparatory School, Sherborne House School in Hiltingbury, Chandler’s Ford, opened its school gates to start the new term with an ‘Excellent in All Areas’ rating.

The inspection took place in June 2021 by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

The ISI report states “Pupils achieve well above the expected level for their age and ability by the time they leave the school."

Mark Beach, headteacher said: “We are absolutely thrilled that our new team’s work around the importance of a child led ‘Irresistible Curriculum’ has been recognised in this way.

"We’ve worked particularly hard at creating an environment for each individual child to thrive. Children vote on termly topics of interest from reception year to year 6 and we keep children engaged in their learning through adapting our teaching around the chosen topics.”

This September is Marks second anniversary at the school. He was appointed in 2019 after headships in some of the most prestigious independent prep schools, including the City of London Freemans School.

The new leadership team also includes deputy head Cordelia Cripps who was previously the deputy head at the Harrow International School in Hong Kong, and deputy head of a primary school in Amman, Jordan, before returning to the UK.

Cordelia said: “As an independent prep with no affiliations we can provide secondary choice for pupils and parents whether that be in state or the independent sector. Our academic results speak for themselves with this year’s school leavers achieving 5 scholarships, 43 offers from independents, 12 offers from grammar schools and 23 state places.”

The full ISI report can be viewed by visiting https://www.sherbornehouse.co.uk/about-sherborne-house/inspection-report